Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Gen Z turning away from Dry Jan

Published: 08 December, 2025

New research from IWSR’s Bevtrac survey can reveal that Gen Z drinkers are showing less interest in ‘monthlong abstinence spells’ such as Dry January and Sober October.

Hospitality suffers sales drop for January

Published: 27 February, 2025

Figures from CGA by NIQ and RSM’s Hospitality Business Tracker reveal that year-on-year sales dropped by 1.3% in January 2025 compared to the same month last year. This represents only the tracker’s second recorded month of negative trading since early 2022.

Quarter of UK drinkers embrace 'zebra striping' with alcohol-free options

Published: 07 June, 2024

A new industry report by research consultancy KAM and alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint reveals that a quarter of UK drinkers are alternating between alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks during their visits to pubs and bars. The report, titled ‘2024 Low and No: Drinking Differently,’ launched this week, highlighting the UK’s shift towards moderation.

Charity ordered to pay legal costs in Dry January trademark dispute

Published: 23 April, 2024

A brewing company has won a legal battle against Alcohol Change UK (ACUK), the charity behind the annual alcohol abstention campaign ‘Dry January’. The dispute arose when ACUK attempted to extend its trademark to cover sales of products such as low-alcohol beers.

Multiples: Healthy year-round growth for low & no

Published: 22 January, 2024

Supermarkets are reporting a consistent uptick in sales of this much-talked about category– and not just during the traditional post-festive period. James Bayley reports.

State of the Nation Survey

Published: 17 January, 2024

Harpers received over 160 responses to our State of the Nation Survey, which canvassed the views of on-trade operators, multiple/indie retailers as well as distributors/importers spanning the length and breadth of the UK. Jo Gilbert takes the UK’s temperature.

Asda predicts to sell 420,000 low & no units in January

Published: 05 January, 2024

Major multiple retailer Asda has revealed to Harpers that it plans to sell 420,000 units of low & no beers, wines and spirits this ‘dry’ January, an increase of 7.7% on last year.

Indies: Realigning strategies

Published: 10 November, 2023

Despite the challenges facing independents, businesses are optimistic that new buying strategies will please consumers. By James Lawrence.

Multiples: Keeping wine accessible

Published: 27 January, 2023

Co-op and Asda BWS buyers tell James Bayley how they are attempting to ensure their consumers can continue to enjoy value-for-money wines in the bleak economic landscape.

Jerry Lockspeiser: The dangers of ‘drink washing’ in a declining market

Published: 27 January, 2022

I wonder if you embraced dry January this year. Apparently quite a few of us went ‘semi-dry,’ which sounds as contradictory as being a little bit pregnant. I always thought such things were all or nothing. Apparently it refers to consciously controlling alcohol consumption by drinking on fewer days, or drinking less when we do, or turning to No and Lo products instead of the full fat options. A booze equivalent of the ‘flexitarian’ approach to food perhaps.

Independent alcohol sales enjoy January boom

Published: 15 February, 2021

Newly released data shows that January 2021 saw an increase in demand for alcohol from independent businesses, along with an increase in the price tag compared to 2020.